Okay, ladies. Let’s be honest. We are constantly searching for the next best beauty product; be it mascara or facial wash, we women are always on the lookout for what’s hot in the world of beauty.
    Having spent a lot of money myself trying out different products, I have run across some duds and some keepers along the way. Since I have girlfriends who also like to try new products, I’d like to think that I have had opportunity to try a wide variety of products.
    With this article, I’d like to bring you into my world of girlie must-haves; into all my little makeup bags, drawers, containers, bins, and baskets. From facial washes and cleansers, to eye shadow, to makeup remover and to all types of foundation. So listed here are my top five beauty product picks, the things I’d hate to be stranded without.

1)    Philosophy Mimosa Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath
If you have ever sprung for a Philosophy product, then you’ll know that I mean business when I say this may be the most delicious smelling body wash ever - it really smells like citrus and champagne. This body wash not only smells good but is also a great way to moisturize skin. It’s thick, so it’s also a good alternative to shaving cream. Like the title includes, this is a 3-in-1 wash, able to be used as a shampoo as well as a bubble bath. In true Philosophy style, this product, too, has a cute dictionary-like definition of how to make a mimosa. Each product includes these short blurbs, which play to the indulgent and fun side of products for women. This scent is also made in other products like Mimosa flavored lip shine. Other great Philosophy products include Purity face wash and Hope in a Jar, an oil-free facial moisturizer.
Size:  16 oz.  • Price: $16
Places to buy: philosophy.com, sephora.com

2)    Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Defining Crème
Since I have seriously curly, and seriously frizzy hair, I have tried almost every product out there and no other curl styling product makes me happier than this one. Since it is not a gel, it doesn’t leave curls sticky upon drying, but soft and tame. However, it is still thick enough to keep pesky fly-away hairs from jumping off your head. With an amazing not-too-sweet smell that lasts through the day, this is the hidden secret for heads that are all things curly. This product is offered in two forms for both fine and coarse curls. Other curl products by Bumble and Bumble include the Curl Conscious Reactivating Mist to give your curls a midday boost and Curl Conscious Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner.
Size: 8.5 oz.  • Price: $28
Places to buy: bumbleandbumble.com, sephora.com, About Faces Day Spa and Salon

3)    Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder by Clinique
When in comes to foundations, I am personally not into liquids. I like to provide my face moderate coverage, without having to feel like I have another layer on my face. This little square compact holds the secret to exactly that. This pressed powder is perfect as it provides sheer to moderate coverage and is good for all skin, even oily because it controls oil and absorbs shine. It includes a sponge application, which fits inside the compact, perfect for on-the-go women like myself. Other great Clinique products include their 3 Step skin care products with cleansers, exfoliators, and moisturizers. And with 12 skin shades to choose from, there’s no excuse for not having a powder that maintains a fresh look.
Size: N/A • Price: $22
Places to buy: Clinique.com, macys.com, Clinique counters at department store locations

4)    Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Bronzing Powder
Not all bronzers are made equally. I repeat, they aren’t made equally. This bronzer is great because it is oil-free and leaves a noticeable shimmer. It is also packaged in a unique grinder compact, allowing you to portion out and use only what you need. It also includes a small Kabuki brush for on-the-run application. I like this bronzer because it is the kind that shimmers the right amount and can be used on face and body. Another great bronzing product by Elizabeth Arden is the Color Intrigue Bronzing Powder Duo which is a powder that features two, bendable shades for a sun-kissed look.
Size: N/A • Price: $35
Places to buy: elizabetharden.com, macys.com, ulta.com

5)    Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer
Because I’m not a lip gloss kind of girl, I always shy away from anything other than lip balm. However, after using the Burt’s Bees balms, I discovered the Lip Shimmer. This product is a tinted lip balm with Vitamin E and beeswax, but most importantly, tints your lips without the annoying shine or sticky feeling. These sticks still include the signature peppermint flavor. Lip Shimmers come in 12 shades including 3 new ones - Cherry, Plum and Strawberry. Other balms I like include the Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm with Kokum Butter and Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Acai Berry. This is the perfect product for lip gloss-haters everywhere.
Size: N/A • Price: $5
Places to buy: burtsbees.com, drug stores
I hope this little bit on insight into my collection will keep you from wasting money and start using products you are truly happy with! However, even after the fun of these products, it is important to remember that true beauty cannot be found in a tube of lip gloss or a body wash. True beauty is inner beauty because it is your inner beauty that radiates to those around you and is the beauty one should pay most attention to. A beautiful woman is one with a beautiful spirit, not the one with the best beauty products.